INTRODUCTION
Some years ago two small Irish children were left orphans, and the Roman Catholics tried to take them into one of their schools. The little children did not want to go, saying that they were not Roman Catholics. In the end the matter came before a judge, and in court they were asked dozens of questions about what they believed. They could answer them all. The judge (and I think he was a Roman Catholic) had to say, 'Well, these children know what they believe, and no one can shake them out of it, that they are Protestants.'
For a long time it has been my desire that our children should know what we believe. The Roman Catholics know their doctrines. The Jehovah's Witnesses know theirs. May our children not be in any doubt as to what is the truth. So many know all the Bible stories, but not the precious doctrines of our most holy faith.
The chapters of this book originated in a series of talks on 'what we believe' given in the Sabbath school at the chapel where I am pastor. The children were aged from seven to sixteen, and in most cases seemed to have little difficulty in understanding. Most interesting were some of the deep doctrinal questions which even some of the little ones asked afterwards.
We realize that it is easier for children to understand something explained to them personally than to read it from a book. With younger children it would be helpful if the chapters were read to them.
God's promise is: 'This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the Lord.'e
We have been encouraged to press on with this publication believing that there is nothing of this nature in print, and yet such a crying need.
A few things should be borne in mind in reading the book:
1. The children to whom the addresses were first given all had a general background knowledge of the stories of the Bible.
2. Obviously much more could have been said and many more things dealt with—but the desire was to keep the chapters simple.
3. The author writes as a convinced Strict Baptist but the doctrines are those held by all who believe the Reformed faith, commonly called Calvinism.
4. The various stories that are told are given as the author remembers hearing or reading them. It has been impossible to check the accuracy of each detail.
5. At the end of each chapter there are one or two suggested Scripture passages. These are not intended as 'proof texts' but rather as helpful Bible readings on the subject.
6. While the title is 'Bible Doctrines Simply Explained', the author fully realizes that it is only the meaning that can be explained. A true, spiritual understanding must come through the teaching of the Holy Spirit in the heart.